HAMTRAMCK (WWJ) – There are now far fewer firemen on the job in Hamtramck.

The city of Hamtramck Monday laid off 44 percent of the staff, including a dozen in their Fire Department.

Acting City Manager, Kyle Tertzag said it had to be done.

“The city negotiating team and the unions negotiating team had met and the two teams had agreed on concession package, subsequently the mayor and council unanimously voted to accept that concession package – however the fire union turned it down,” said Tertzag.

Tertzag said the city has to close a $3 million budget deficit.

William Diamond, president of the Hamtramck Fire Association, said minimum staffing requirements of seven on duty at any time is going to cost the city substantially in overtime – and the last 15 firefighters left are going to have to fill those slots.